Chapter Twenty-One: Discussing Buddhism and Taoism
The next day, the three masters discussed Buddhism and Taoism, and naturally, the younger disciples listened intently and respectfully. Occasionally, the juniors posed questions, and the three masters answered them with patience.
Ye Dong asked, “Master, the late Ya Yi once cited the ‘Seven Sufferings of Buddhism’ to enlighten me. I suppose you taught her that, didn’t you? But you belong to the Taoist tradition, so why did you use Buddhist teachings?”
Chen Yao nodded with a smile, praising him, “You’re quite sharp, boy. The Seven Sufferings of Buddhism are birth, aging, illness, death, encountering what you hate, separation from what you love, and not getting what you desire. To me, the Seven Sufferings are also the seven hardships of life.”
Master Jingxin nodded slightly, listening as Chen Yao continued.
Chen Yao explained, “Buddha said these seven sufferings are the dust and attachments of the mortal world. To attain Buddhahood, one must first see through these attachments—one must comprehend these seven sufferings. Yet, among the countless people in the world, how many can, like Master Jingxin, truly see through them? The reason people become evil, ghosts, monsters, or demons is, at its root, because they are trapped in the vortex of these sufferings and cannot escape.”
The group nodded, and Chen Yao went on, “Our ancestors established Buddhist and Taoist teachings to help people understand these sufferings and break free from the sorrow of reincarnation. Thus, to deliver all beings, why should there be a distinction between cultivating Buddhism or Taoism? Over the course of history, both traditions have developed many branches and sects. If these sects maintain self-discipline and remain true to their original intent of helping others, in the end, all paths converge, and the stars gather as one.”
Master Jingxin nodded, reciting softly, “Amitabha.”
Daoist Kongming also nodded repeatedly, saying, “What a beautiful vision—all streams converging, all stars aligned.”
Ye Dong felt as though he had been enlightened and thanked his master sincerely, “Thank you, Master.”
Liang Lingzhi then asked, “Masters, those sects that have lost their original intent—are they what people call evil monks and demonic priests?”
The three masters exchanged knowing smiles. Chen Yao replied, “Not necessarily. If they have only lost their initial intent but bear no malice or harm to the world, they are merely mediocre monks or priests, not true evil or demonic ones. Your question is a bit sweeping—don’t lump everyone together.”
Liang Lingzhi chuckled apologetically. Then Xiao Bao asked, “Those three from the Azure Scale are truly wicked, aren’t they? Surely they’re demonic priests?”
Nian Xue snorted, “They’re absolutely demonic priests.”
Everyone laughed and continued listening to the masters’ teachings. This day and night of guidance, including Nian Xue and Zi Long, left everyone deeply enriched.
...
After bidding farewell to Master Jingxin and Daoist Kongming, Chen Yao took out a yellowed book from his room and handed it to Nian Xue. “Nian Xue, follow the methods in this book and help them improve their skills and aura.”
Nian Xue sighed, “Isn’t this the technique I practiced as a child? Is it still useful now?”
Chen Yao gently tapped her head, “Of course it is. You need to make sure they memorize the incantations and techniques, as well as the sect’s spells. And strengthen their bodies and courage—don’t leave anything out.”
Nian Xue pouted, “Dad, isn’t this your responsibility? Why is it all falling on me, especially with Senior Brother Zi Long and the others around?”
The group practicing nearby smiled but did not answer.
The four were puzzled, and Ye Dong asked, “Master, do you have other matters to attend to?”
Chen Yao nodded, “I do. The basics of cultivation, Nian Xue can teach you just fine. I trust her completely—she’s your senior sister. Until I return, her words are as good as mine. Understood?”
Nian Xue grinned mischievously, looking at the four.
The four looked at each other, but under the weight of their master’s authority, they nodded repeatedly. Ye Dong asked, “What about Senior Brother Zi Long and the others?”
Chen Yao explained, “Zi Long, Wen Xing, and Heng Xing will come with me to gain some experience—they need to level up.”
Xiao Bao giggled, “When will we get to follow Master and gain some experience?”
Chen Yao reassured them, “Cultivation isn’t achieved overnight. Don’t rush. Besides, you’re all so clever—perhaps, when I’m in a good mood, I’ll take you out to see the world.”
Immediately, their faces lit up with joy. Da Chun laughed, “I bet just one trip outside with Master could level us up twice!”
Chen Yao shook his head, “No, at least three levels!”
Nian Xue interrupted, “Dad, as soon as the two masters left, you went back to your mischievous ways. Don’t lead them astray!”
Chen Yao shrugged, “Come on, everyone should relax. That’s how you build good relationships!”
Ye Dong thought to himself how unexpected it was to see such an approachable side in a master of profound cultivation—truly, the ways of the wise are unfathomable.
He gave a thumbs up, “Master is right! Amazing!”
Liang Lingzhi also flattered, “Master is indeed enlightened, unconcerned with trivial matters!”
Chen Yao laughed, “Learn as you go, live as you are. Right now, it’s life—so live it with ease.”
Ye Dong mused, “Though Master’s words are simple, they contain immense wisdom. He’s not just guiding us in cultivation but teaching us how to be human.”
After Nian Xue ridiculed them, she asked, “I was in the hospital these past days—I haven’t asked why you suddenly appeared on Shekou Mountain.”
Chen Yao nodded with a smile, “That day, you called me, and I knew you were in serious trouble. Afterwards, I cast a divination and saw a great omen of misfortune. Then, observing the stars at night, I sensed an anomaly in Shekou Mountain. Weighing everything, I rushed back.”
Nian Xue scolded, “Is anything more important than your daughter’s life? You even had to weigh it all!”
Chen Yao sighed, “Because I foresaw that, though it was a dire day for you, there were four lucky stars beside you—one big, three small. With protectors at your side, you would not die.”
He patted Nian Xue’s head and smiled, “My daughter is so capable, I trusted you to subdue those three demonic priests. If not for the anomaly, I wouldn’t have returned.”
Ye Dong asked, “Master, the four lucky stars you mentioned—are those us?”
Seeing Chen Yao nod, Liang Lingzhi added, “And the protectors, are those Officer Li and Xiao Li?”
Chen Yao replied, “Exactly. And you, the great lucky star, took three knife wounds for Nian Xue—that was not easy.”
Nian Xue lowered her head with a smile, “I really should thank him.”
Liang Lingzhi rubbed his head, “It’s just that I’m not very skilled.”
Nian Xue raised her head and objected, “No, you are quite skilled. That selfless spirit is a great talent in itself.”
Chen Yao gave Nian Xue a strange look, “Nian Xue, don’t go easy on him in training just because he took a knife for you!”
Nian Xue punched Chen Yao, “At nearly sixty years old, you’re still so unserious—nothing like a true master! Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to train all four of them rigorously.”
Da Chun was amazed, “Master, you’re almost sixty? My goodness, you look no older than forty!”
Xiao Bao was stunned, “Not forty, at most thirty! Not a day older!”
Chen Yao laughed heartily, “You two! Everything’s good, except you love telling the truth too much. Ha, ha ha!”
Liang Lingzhi whispered to Nian Xue, “Your father is quite humorous!”
The two exchanged a proud smile.
Ye Dong asked, “Master, did you encounter something major before you returned? Tell us, so we can broaden our horizons.”
Chen Yao nodded with a smile, “Just the day before Lingzhi’s soul was taken, I received a call for help from Daoist Kongming. It was urgent, so Zi Long and the others went with me.”
The five were shocked, “What!? Even someone as powerful as Daoist Kongming needed help?”
Chen Yao nodded thoughtfully, “Among the three of us, Master Jingxin’s power is strongest. Kongming and I each have our strengths, more or less equal.”
He continued, “When I got Kongming’s request, I was surprised—he must have encountered a demon of formidable power.”
Nian Xue exclaimed, “A demon?”
Ye Dong and the others, unfamiliar with such matters, asked in unison, “A demon?!”
Seeing their bewilderment, Chen Yao explained, “Ghosts, monsters, and demons are three entirely different concepts. Ghosts are formed from the souls of the dead. Of course, some souls become immortals after death, but let’s leave that aside for now. Ghosts become ghosts because, even at death, they haven’t understood the Seven Sufferings, so they carry attachments or evil thoughts. With these, ghosts resist reincarnation, which is why so many linger in the mortal world. Those who stay due to attachments are called benign ghosts; those who stay out of malice are called evil ghosts. As you’ve seen, the resentment of evil ghosts grows deeper over time, giving rise to vengeful spirits. Vengeful spirits, having harmed others, possess greater power than ordinary evil ghosts, so we must use cultivation to subdue them.”
Everyone nodded, and Chen Yao continued, “Monsters are far more powerful than vengeful spirits, because monsters are transformed from living creatures—these can be humans, or animals who have become spirits. Let me clarify, animal monsters come in two kinds: benign and evil. Benign monsters cultivate diligently, controlling their bodies and minds. If they find the right opportunity, they can become immortals—we won’t discuss them further for now. As for evil monsters, since they are creatures of the mortal world, they have yang energy and can later learn dark arts, absorbing the power of humans, animals, and even ghosts to acquire yin energy and quickly increase their power. After hundreds or even thousands of years of cultivation, they become monsters. Their dark arts are based on harming others for their own gain, their hearts twisted, evil born from within. Thus, monsters are often more cunning and dangerous than vengeful spirits, able to harm both the living and the dead, committing all manner of atrocities.”
Liang Lingzhi asked, “Was the snake-woman you defeated that day a monster?”
Chen Yao replied, “Yes, she was. She became a spirit, then cultivated into a monster. Monsters born of animals should not harm humans—that’s why I slew her.”
Nian Xue grumbled, “That wretched snake was so powerful, we almost died at her hands.”
Chen Yao smiled, “She’d been cultivating for at least eight hundred years. To withstand three of her attacks was quite impressive.”
Xiao Bao asked, “So, according to Master, demons must be even more terrifying?”
Chen Yao recalled, “Indeed, demons are formidable. The ancient scriptures describe ten types of demons. Let me explain the ‘human demon,’ ‘ghost demon,’ and ‘celestial demon’ in plain language.”
He sipped his tea and said, “Human demons lead others astray. Anyone who hasn’t understood the Seven Sufferings has inner demons. All human malice can be used by human demons. Imagine someone able to wield their own inner demons to control the power of others’ demons—their power would be immense.”
Ye Dong exclaimed, “There are such people? Their inner demons must be overwhelming!”
Chen Yao nodded, “Exactly. These mysterious and powerful inner demon maniacs are the human demons who plague the world.”
Ye Dong muttered, “Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine.”
Chen Yao continued, “Ghost demons are overlords of the Netherworld—their power is unfathomable.”
Liang Lingzhi asked, “What about celestial demons?”
Chen Yao sighed, “Celestial demons are gods who have fallen into demonic ways.”
Everyone was amazed, and Chen Yao continued, “After receiving Kongming’s call, I rushed to help. He had been trying to subdue a night demon and was trapped in the mountains. With great effort, I managed to rescue him, and together, we finally subdued the night demon.”
Master and disciples exchanged questions and answers, and time passed quickly.
Chen Yao had been away for several days, while Ye Dong and the others trained under Nian Xue—meditating and refining their qi morning and evening, strengthening their bodies during the day, and practicing courage at night. However, none of them anticipated that tonight’s outing would usher in a new chapter to their story...